RunnTV has announced the launch of a new time-shift feature for FAST television channels, allowing viewers to rewind and catch up on recently aired content while watching live streaming channels. The feature is aimed at bringing greater flexibility to the FAST TV ecosystem, which has traditionally operated on a completely linear viewing model.

According to a press release, the introduction of the time shift functionality gives viewers a DVR-like experience on FAST channels and positions RunnTV among the first FAST streaming platforms globally to introduce rewind capabilities for linear streaming content. The feature has already gone live on select channels available on the platform, with plans to expand support across more channels in the coming months.

FAST, or Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television, has witnessed rapid global growth in recent years as audiences increasingly shift towards free streaming platforms supported by advertising. However, unlike on-demand OTT services, FAST channels have largely remained dependent on real-time viewing where missing a programme often meant losing access to it entirely.

Commenting on the launch, Manish Sinha of Runn TV said the company wanted to combine the convenience of on-demand streaming with the simplicity of live television. He noted that viewers can now rewind and revisit recently streamed programmes on FAST channels whenever they want, making the overall viewing experience more user-friendly and interactive.

The company stated that the technology powering the Time-Shift feature has been developed through its PlayStudio FAST solution, which is designed for FAST channel creation, management and distribution. Through PlayStudio, broadcasters, FAST channel operators and streaming platforms will also be able to integrate the same feature into their own services.